The Louvre Abu dhabi

14

Nov2017

FIRST LOOK: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is now open.

After ten years in the making, the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi has finally opened its doors to the public. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to become the world’s newest ‘wonder’. Whether you’re into art galleries or not, you can’t help but be awestruck by the jaw-dropping Louvre Abu Dhabi architecture and its one of a kind, beautiful design.

Built on reclaimed Saadiyat Island in central Abu Dhabi, the spectacular ‘mini-city’ creates an illusion of being afloat at sea whilst enabling a refreshing microclimate on the inside, making it an architectural masterpiece in its own right.

It is the first museum of its kind in the Arab region and offers a new perspective on the history of art in a globalised world, positioning the city of gold as the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates.

How about the phenomenal ‘dome?’

The gorgeous, silver star latticework dome is 36 metres high, 180 metres in diameter and weighs an astounding 7,500 tonnes – which is almost as much as the Eiffel Tower. Underneath the cooling “rain of light,” it creates, are fifty-five individual buildings inspired by traditional Arab medinas that sit along narrow streets.

Each one is filled with exhibitions that feature in 23 permanent galleries as well as 300 additional artworks on loan from 13 French institutions, including the Musee d’Orsay et de l’Orangerie, Chateau de Versailles and the Musee du Louvre itself.

There are also workshops, concerts, an interactive children’s museum, an open plaza, a café and a restaurant. You’ll need a full day at least to get around and see it all for yourself.

“The Louvre Abu Dhabi will indeed offer visitors a unique experience: a brand new journey through major works of art from different civilisations, mirrored to reveal our common humanity. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, therefore, carries a message of tolerance and peace and stresses the unwavering commitment of our two countries to promote culture and education as a shield against extremism.”

Tickets for the museum are an extremely reasonable 60 AED for general admission and 30 AED for ages between 13 and 22. Kids under 13 are free. Get to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways who fly daily from Dublin and other airports. Head over to www.louvreabudhabi.ae for more information.